Furness fighters thrill crowds at The Nines

North West Evening News12th November, 2009

FIGHT fans had a night to remember as Furness' top boxing talent entered the ring for Barrow ABC's Night at the Nines.

The annual pugilism showcase saw members of the Barrow club go glove-to-glove with fighters from as far afield as Scotland.

Around 400 spectators - including guest of honour Junior Witter, the former WBF light welterweight world champion - packed into the Nines for the event, enjoying 15 bouts, with fighters ranging from the youngest at 11 to the biggest, super-heavyweight and former Barrow Raiders forward Ryan Wood.

"It was an electric atmosphere," said Barrow ABC coach Jeff Moses, who organised the successful night.

"There is always a good atmosphere and a good crowd.

"It was great for the young kids to fight in an atmosphere like that, especially if you have your debut bout, like Aston Coward from our club. For him to fight in his hometown for his debut bout was fantastic for him."

As well as Coward and Wood, Barrow fighters James McMeekin, Nathan Jasper, Steven Eilbeck, Mike Swarbrick, Ross Cooksey and Liam Conroy all fought for the host club.

Conroy's bout was one that particularly impressed his coach Moses, beating his opponent, K Walker, from Centurians ABC, with some fine punches that led to the bout being stopped.

The 17-year-old Barrow fighter will go into the ring to fight for a divisional title belt in his next bout, and Moses added: "He always puts in an excellent performance.

"Ross Cooksey was great as well and he was voted the best boxer on the night and won the Peter Skyrme Memorial Trophy. He is going on to the senior novices in the next couple of weeks.

"All the Barrow boxers gave 100 per cent and we couldn't have asked for any more, we're proud of all of them."

There were several decisions from the judges which went against the home boxers, to the surprise of the Nines crowd, but everyone accepted the results as final, despite the obvious silence that greeted the announcements.

"Everything went according to plan," Mosed added. "It's always popular and as soon as it was over there were people asking about tickets for the following year straightaway, so it should always be a success.

"Junior Witter was a perfect guest. He had plenty of time for the kids and anyone who wanted autographs and photographs."

Witter also found time the next day to visit the club's gym on Brook Street and spend time with the younger members.

Moses passed on his thanks to the clubs and fighters who travelled to the event, as well as to All Carpets and Flooring, in Dalkeith Street, who provided changing facilities for boxers.

The event was raising money for the Help for Heroes fund, which helps soldiers wounded in battle. The club are currently counting the money raised and will present the profits to the fund in the near future.

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